West Tinian Airport to remain open during construction of new runway

The Commonwealth Ports Authority yesterday assured that activities at the West Tinian International Airport will not be disrupted even when construction of the new runway begins within the month.

Executive Carlos H. Salas the air transport facility on the island will remain in operation from the time construction of the new 8,600-linear-foot runway begins up until it is completed within approximately 18 months.

Mr. Salas told a media briefing that the CPA is expecting the Federal Aviation Administration to issue the Notice To Proceed in the next two weeks, in line with the planned commencement of actual construction before the end of October.

CPA managed to solicit close to $23 million for the West Tinian International Airport project, which paved the road for the construction of a new, longer runway for the island’s air transport facility.

Of the amount, close to $13 million were FAA allocations while the Tinian Legislative Delegation appropriated $3.4 million. Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday signed a new law earmarking $6.5 million for the project.

“The appropriations out of Public Law 12-188 actually completes the funding for the completion of the new Tinian airport runway. Total project cost covers architecture and design, management and actual construction,” said Mr. Salas.

CPA Board of Directors late last month sealed the contract with Telesource CNMI, Inc., which will build the new Tinian airport runway after submitting the lowest bid for the 8,600-linear-foot runway at $16.9 million.

The project will be carried out according to the specifications stated under the Alternative Bid which calls for the construction of an 8,600-linear-foot runway, two 600 linear-foot taxiways, one 200 linear-foot partial taxiway; and the conversion of the existing 6,000 linear-foot runway to a parallel taxiway.

Ports Authority Board Chair Roman S. Palacios is upbeat the new air transport facility will open the floodgates to tourism and economic development on Tinian, as he expressed confidence that the island’s casino gaming initiative is sure to enjoy a huge market.

Mr. Palacios disclosed foreign airline companies, upbeat that Chinese tourists are now willing to travel outside Asia and that a tropical gaming destination is right on target, have already expressed interest to provide direct service to Tinian.